Nephi, Son of Lehi

Chapters 1 to 18:8 deal mostly with the prophet Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem. They traveled through barren deserts until they reached the sea. 1 Nephi 18:9–23 tells of their voyage to a promised land, as directed by the Lord, despite the rebellion of Laman and Lemuel. Chapters 19–22 tell Nephi’s purpose for keeping records (1 Ne. 6; 19:18)—to persuade all to remember the Lord their Redeemer. He quoted Isaiah (1 Ne. 20–21) and interpreted Isaiah’s messages, with the hope that all might come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer (1 Ne. 22:12).

Chapters 1–4 contain some of Lehi’s final teachings and prophecies before his death, including blessings on his sons and their descendants. Chapter 5 explains why the Nephites separated themselves from the Lamanites. The Nephites built a temple, taught the law of Moses, and kept records. Chapters 6–10 contain the words of Jacob, Nephi’s younger brother. Jacob reviewed the history of Judah and prophesied of the Messiah, some of which was taken from the writings of the prophet Isaiah. In chapters 11–33 Nephi recorded his testimony of Christ, Jacob’s testimony, prophecies of the last days, and several chapters from the Old Testament book of Isaiah.